Which banks do you recommend for dropshipping on eBay?
Why choosing the right bank matters
When doing dropshipping on eBay in Italy, it is very useful to have an account with an Italian IBAN, flexible (physical and virtual) cards, and low costs for international online transactions.
Not all traditional banks are suitable for this type of business, while some neobanks and digital accounts offer particularly advantageous features: easy account opening, app-based management, disposable virtual cards, multi-currency support, and transparent costs.
What to consider when choosing a bank
- Italian IBAN: useful for bank transfers, deposits, and direct debits.
- Virtual cards: the ability to create multiple cards, even disposable or temporary ones, to separate orders, tests, and ensure greater security.
- Currency exchange and international transaction fees: essential if you purchase from foreign suppliers or use non-Euro currencies.
- Usage limits and ceilings: card spending limits, maximum amounts, and number of active virtual cards.
- Security, reliability, and regulation: the bank or fintech must be authorized, covered by guarantee funds (or equivalent), and have a solid reputation.
Some recommended options
- Revolut: Italian IBAN available, physical and virtual cards, excellent multi-currency options.
- N26: digital account with Italian IBAN, virtual card, real-time notifications, and various plans.
- Hype: prepaid account with IBAN, easily rechargeable and app-managed.
- Tinaba: “Start” plan with Mastercard virtual card and Italian IBAN.
- isybank: disposable virtual cards (up to 4 per day), useful for security and testing.
Comparative table of main neobanks
| Bank / Service | Italian IBAN | Virtual cards | Main costs / limitations | Strengths for dropshipping | When to use / when to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut | Yes (since 2024 for new customers or on request) | Yes: temporary and disposable virtual cards | Currency exchange fees outside EU or on weekends, paid premium plans, variable limits | Great for product testing, foreign purchases, multi-currency | Use if you have medium-high volumes; avoid basic plan if you do many exchanges or withdrawals |
| N26 | Yes | Yes: even with Standard plan | Fees for operations outside free service, withdrawal limits, premium plan costs | Reliable app service, simple, useful for separating flows | Good intermediate choice; check premium plans if you need extras |
| Hype | Yes | Yes (depending on plan) | Withdrawal limits, extra costs for advanced services | Simple and low-cost, suitable for beginners | Avoid for high volumes or frequent purchases in foreign currencies |
| Tinaba | Yes | Yes: virtual and physical | Some extra costs if thresholds are exceeded, limits on amounts and withdrawals | Good for starting out, Italian IBAN, low costs | Not suitable for large-scale dropshipping with non-EU suppliers |
| isybank | Not always Italian IBAN for all products | Yes: disposable virtual cards up to 4 per day | Disposable cards limited to a single operation, possible extra costs | Excellent for supplier testing and security | Don’t use as a main account for high volumes |
Other updated options (2025–2026)
- Wise (Multi-currency + card): SEPA foreign IBANs, up to 3 active virtual cards, real exchange rate with transparent fees. Ideal for foreign suppliers and multi-currency payments.
- Italian neobanks (Hype, isybank, Tinaba, Buddy, etc.): Italian IBANs, multiple virtual cards, variable costs depending on the plan. Good for national and European use.
- Revolut: free and premium plans, multiple cards, multi-currency support, excellent for international orders.
- Specialized business alternatives (Soldo, Viabuy, etc.): often no Italian IBAN but offer multiple company cards, useful for separating expenses and budgets for collaborators.
Some examples of real costs
- Wise: virtual card, up to 3 active, transparent exchange rate, physical card shipping about €7.
- Viabuy prepaid: high fees (e.g. 2.75% on foreign currency payments), high issuance costs.
- Hype Premium: no fees on foreign currency payments, convenient for purchases from non-Euro suppliers.
- Italian neobanks: basic plans often free, but richer plans have monthly fees or extra costs for withdrawals/exchange.
Practical tips for choosing wisely
- Consider if you need an Italian IBAN: useful for eBay payouts in Italy, but if you deal with foreign suppliers, consider options like Wise or Revolut.
- Choose multiple or disposable virtual cards: ideal for separating orders, testing, and reducing security risks.
- Carefully read currency exchange terms: differences between real exchange rates and rates with markups, and weekend fees.
- Check spending, top-up, and withdrawal limits: some virtual accounts have low limits that can hinder growth.
- Evaluate fixed monthly/annual fees: for low volumes, stick to free plans; for high volumes, consider premium ones.
- Security and reliability: use regulated fintechs with data protection and reliable customer support.